The phrase “not go beyond what is written” comes from 1 Corinthians 4:6, where Paul writes, “that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
In the broader context of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing divisions and quarrels in the Corinthian church. Different factions were forming around different leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter. Paul rebukes this divisiveness, emphasizing that the Corinthians should not think too highly of any one leader since all the apostles are merely servants of Christ (1 Cor 3:5-9).
Later in chapter 4, Paul urges the Corinthians to avoid pride and arrogance, reminding them that everything they have is from God. They should not boast as if they achieved anything by their own merit. This ties back to the main problem Paul sees in Corinth – pride, boasting, and disunity.
With this context in mind, “not going beyond what is written” means:
- Not elevating one leader over another or boasting about who baptized you (1 Cor 1:10-17). All leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter are equal servants of Christ.
- Not speculating arrogantly about questionable matters, but sticking to the core gospel message (1 Cor 4:1-6).
- Not taking pride in your own abilities, gifts, or status in the church, since everything good comes from God (1 Cor 4:7).
In summary, “not going beyond what is written” is a warning against pride, arrogance, and disunity in the church. Christians should avoid exalting one spiritual leader over another or speculating about debatable matters. Instead, they should embrace humility and focus on the clear biblical gospel of Jesus Christ crucified.
1. Don’t be arrogant or divisive
A major application of “not going beyond what is written” is to avoid an arrogant or divisive attitude that puffs yourself up and causes quarrels in the church. Paul directly connects the phrase to the situation in Corinth:
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1 Cor 4:7)
The Corinthians were boasting about their favorite leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter (1 Cor 1:12). Different factions were forming around these leaders, causing disunity. But Paul points out this is foolish since the leaders are all equal servants of Christ (1 Cor 3:5-9). The Corinthians have nothing to boast about since all their gifts come from God.
Likewise, Christians today should not divide into factions over spiritual leaders or boast about their knowledge. These are marks of pride that often lead to dysfunction in churches. As one body in Christ, we should humbly appreciate all members while recognizing our gifts are from God alone.
2. Don’t go beyond the biblical gospel
Another key aspect of “not going beyond what is written” is to avoid speculating on questionable or peripheral matters and stick to the clear biblical gospel message. Paul says:
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself…Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. (1 Cor 4:1-5)
As apostles, Paul says their duty is to faithfully preach the gospel. Speculating about debatable theological issues or making definitive judgments on unclear matters is risky and can divide churches. Christians should stick to the clear biblical message centered on Jesus Christ crucified.
Likewise today, Christians should be wary of going beyond Scriptural authority into divisive speculations and secondary issues unrelated to the gospel. Examples could include predictions about end times, ecclesiology debates, symbolic interpretations, etc. While having some biblical basis, these debates often distract from the core message.
3. Focus on humility and Christ-centered unity
The ultimate point of “not going beyond what is written” is to promote humility and unity in the church, with Christ at the center. Paul makes this application explicit:
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? (1 Cor 1:10-13)
The Corinthians were dividing into factions over their favorite leaders. But Paul reminds them that Christ cannot be divided. The only proper place for unity in the church is under the headship of Jesus Christ.
Likewise, “not going beyond what is written” challenges all speculation, pride, and disunity that takes attention away from Christ. With humility, Christians can embrace diversity within biblical bounds while maintaining passion for Jesus at the center.
4. Examples of “going beyond what is written”
To further understand this principle, it is helpful to consider examples of “going beyond what is written” that the phrase warns against:
- Elevating church traditions to be on par with Scripture
- Requirements for salvation beyond faith in Christ, like circumcision
- Strict legalism like the Pharisees added to God’s law
- Gnostic speculation about spiritual mysteries not addressed in Scripture
- Debates over secondary issues like eating meat sacrificed to idols (1 Cor 8)
- Obscure or subjective interpretations not grounded in authorial intent
In contrast, examples of staying within biblical bounds include focusing on the gospel, Christ’s example, moral absolutes clearly taught in Scripture, and topics directly addressed for the doctrinal health of the church.
5. Balance with other biblical principles
“Not going beyond what is written” is an important principle, but not an excuse for laziness or avoiding biblical study. Christians also have a duty to:
- Rightly divide Scripture for sound doctrine (2 Tim 2:15)
- Discern truth from false teaching (1 John 4:1)
- Search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11)
- Study to gain wisdom and understanding (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Additionally, Christians have freedom in secondary issues not directly addressed in Scripture, such as styles of music, observance of holidays, etc. (Rom 14:1-12).
So “not going beyond what is written” does not prohibit critical thinking, analysis, applications to modern issues, and enjoyment of biblical freedom. But it does provide an essential safeguard against pride, division, fruitless speculation, and drifting from the supremacy of Christ.
6. A safeguard against false teaching
An important benefit of this principle is that it protects against false teaching infiltrating the church. Paul tells Timothy:
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. (1 Tim 6:20-21)
Likewise, sticking to what is clearly biblical helps prevent Christians from being deceived. Speculations that go “beyond Scripture” open the door to confusion and potential doctrinal compromise over non-essentials.
This principle also keeps church leaders accountable. It is easy for pastors and teachers to impose their own agendas and hobby horses on Scripture. But the Bible should shape their teaching rather than the reverse.
While no church will perfectly adhere to biblical boundaries, making this a high value protects against drifting from biblical truth.
7. Avoids distractions from gospel essentials
Drifting into unbiblical speculations also distracts from what is most important – preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says:
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)
Fulfilling the Great Commission took priority in Paul’s ministry. He often had to steer churches like the Corinthians back to this central focus.
Likewise, “not going beyond what is written” keeps the main thing – making Jesus known – the main thing. Churches stay centered on transforming lives through God’s Word and Spirit rather than getting sidetracked arguing secondary issues.
8. Allows diversity on secondary issues
An additional blessing of adhering to clear biblical teaching is that it allows for diversity in secondary issues not directly addressed in Scripture.
For example, the New Testament does not prescribe one correct mode of baptism, style of church government, or type of music. This allows flexibility for different preferences in areas of Christian freedom.
As churches recognize their shared commitment to biblical authority, they can affirm one another even with different views on secondary issues. Unity depends on the supremacy of Christ, not uniformity on debatable practices.
9. Promotes teachability and correction
A final benefit of “not going beyond what is written” is that it cultivates humility and willingness to be taught from Scripture. Paul tells Timothy:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Those who strictly adhere to biblical boundaries welcome challenges and critiques from God’s Word. Conversely, those who go beyond Scripture often stubbornly defend extra-biblical views and resist correction.
So clinging tightly to biblical authority, with careful exegesis and application, helps keep Christians teachable and continually reformed according to Scripture.
Conclusion
In summary, “not going beyond what is written” is an important guiding principle that:
- Warns against pride, arrogance, and disunity in the church
- Keeps the focus on the clear biblical gospel message
- Promotes humility and Christ-centered unity
- Guards against false teaching and speculation
- Avoids distractions from gospel essentials
- Allows diversity in secondary issues
- Cultivates teachability and love for Scripture
This phrase is not an excuse for laziness or avoiding difficult questions. But it provides wisdom for keeping churches grounded in God’s Word and centered on making Christ known.
